Minutes - 2006/09/25 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mounds View City Council September 25, 2006 Regular Meeting Page 5 Mayor Marty stated that if a homeowner wants a large garage or accessory building, and the proposal meets City code, there is nothing the Planning Commission can challenge. Councilmember Gunn suggested the Council and Planning Commission review the code. Director Ericson said the code has been changed several times. He explained the code and conditions associated with accessory buildings. He said the problem is that a 952 square foot garage or larger would require Planning Commission review, but anything less can be built as long as it meets all of the conditions of code. Councilmember Flaherty asked about the process to change the code. Director Ericson explained the first step when the resident would approaches the City with an issue. He said the Council would then ask the appropriate Committee or Commission to research the issue. He said if the resident misses the notice of the discussion, they might miss the discussion. He said the Council must consider how to ensure notification is given and that they may want to discuss further notifying residents. Mayor Marty stated the Council could set up a meeting with the Planning Commission about the issue. He said the Council must listen to residents' suggestions. He said some people are moving to Moving View particularly for the relaxed accessory building standards and that Mounds View may be getting a reputation for large garages. Councilmember Stigney suggested that Director Ericson note to the Planning Commission that concerns are being raised and ask the Commission to review the code and complaints. Director Ericson stated such a step could be done. Mayor Marty agreed with the suggestion. Mayor Marty stated that perhaps the City has been too lenient with approving large accessory buildings. He said unless the City hears otherwise, they assume residents are okay with code changes. He thanked Ms. Bushane for bringing the issue to the Council's attention Mary Jo Vershay, 2223 Lois Drive, stated most of her neighbors are in attendance. She said she is before the Council because she has spoken to several members of the Council, Director Ericson, and members of the Planning Commission about the issue. She stated she is here representing her neighbors and other Mounds View residents and presented the Council with several recommendations. She said the problem has cascaded. She stated she has been told that sight lines have been obstructed because of the large garages for in several neighborhoods. Ms. Vershay stated that she is in front of the Council for people who do not know the impact of such oversized garages. She suggested the City consider all outbuildings within City boundaries and determine how the City should look. She noted that many large homes are being built and sight lines are permanently changed. Ms. Burshae stated she believes the large accessory buildings are negatively impacting property values. She said that she assumed she should take her complaints to City Staff. She stated she • was only told recently that she should talk to the Council.